Somateria mollissima
Length: 19-28 Weight: 2.5-6.5 lbs
Identification:
Male has a white breast and back with a black cap, lime green back of the head, and orange to olive bill. Female is darker brown than other eiders, and relatively streaked.
Distribution:
Breed coastally, mostly in Alaska and far northern Canada but extending down the Atlantic coast to around Virginia.
Cool Facts:
The Common Eider is the largest eider species and the second largest duck in North America, after Muscovy Duck.
Eiders are colonial breeders, and once chicks hatch they are raised by teams of females in groups called creches.
Make your own bird cookies!
References:
Bird on the Move 